Ireland 39 Italy 0:
The Ireland women latched on to the mood of celebration on their Aviva Stadium debut to score a five-try shutout to keep alive their hopes of winning the Six Nations Championship.

Playing at the stadium for the first time, Philip Doyle’s side were full of running and plenty of invention as they deal with the physical challenge of Italy with a cracking performance.

Ireland built slowly with two penalties from fullback Niamh Briggs giving them the advantage on the scoreboard.

Ireland’s backrow were outstanding all night and openside Claire Molloy opened the try-scoring account when she danced through the Italian defence to touch down after fine work from Nora Stapleton and lively prop Gillian Bourke.

Briggs converted and Ireland weren’t finished with their first-half scoring with centre Lynne Cantwell sliding through the Italian defence to grab a try. Briggs’s conversion left Ireland in control at the break at 20-0.

But there was to be no let-up as Ireland chased points to increase their positive differential.

Alison Miller capped a brilliant outing on the left wing with Ireland’s third try and with the Italian defence fading Ireland were able to add to their tally with scores from number eight Heather O’Brien and replacement Jenny Murphy

The result puts Ireland top of the table on points difference from England, with France expected to win away to Scotland tomorrow.

As things stand, Ireland are plus-99 to England’s plus-90, with France on plus-68 ahead of the Scottish game. Ireland travel away to play France in their final game next Friday, with England away to Italy on Sunday week.

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